Fans at the Stadium of Light give their reaction on Dick Advocaat’s departure

Sunderland fans react to the news that manager Dick Advocaat has left the club. Lee Newman and his son Liam, 10, from Jarrow.

Published:17:00Sunday 04 October 2015

Share this article

Black Cats’ fans have had their say after manager Dick Advocaat left the club.

We went along to the Stadium of Light to see what fans thought of his departure.

Sunderland fans react to the news that manager Dick Advocaat has left the club. Joyce Hughes from Jarrow.

Sunderland High School pupil John Speed, seven, from Hetton, said: “I think they should get somebody better, but I still like the team, even though they’re not doing very well.”

Mum Jo Speed, 48, said: “It’s such a shame because the SAFC fans are always so loyal, despite the team’s performance.”

Louis Johnson, 25, from Southwick said: “I think he did alright last season, but this season he’s been out of his depth. But it’s not all the manager’s fault, the players are rubbish at the minute, they’re not bonding.”

Mark Hodgson, 47, from Southwick, goes to the matches with his son James, 10. He said: “I’m gutted to be honest. I think he gave it a good shot but he’s had a lot of false promises, I feel sorry for him. I think Sam Allardyce could be a good option to replace him.”

Sunderland fans react to the news that manager Dick Advocaat has left the club. Louis Breeds from Fulwell.

Louis Breeds, 22, from Fulwell, said: “It’s ridiculous, this is happening too often now. We’ve had four managers in two years. I’d like to see Sam Allardyce take over, he gets results, like he did at West Ham.”

Lee Newman, 36, from Jarrow supports SAFC with son Liam, ten. He said: “I think it was inevitable once he signed the new contract. The pressure was on and he crumbled and buckled. He was a good manager, just not as good as everyone thought.

“I think they should go for someone younger, or from the lower leagues. We’ve tried the big guns and it hasn’t worked. We need stability, which we haven’t got at the minute, and it shows on the pitch.”

Liam said: “I was a bit shocked. I thought he’d last half a season at least.”

Sunderland fans react to the news that manager Dick Advocaat has left the club. Mark Hodgson and his son James, 10, from Southwick.

Lifelong Black Cat Joyce Hughes, 60, from Jarrow said: “I thought he was quite good compared to some. I think the problems are down to Ellis Short. I don’t think Sam Allardyce should take over, it needs to be someone who can stand up to the higher people at the club. We also need players that want to play for Sunderland. We need a couple of Kevin Balls and Niall Quinns on the pitch. But ultimately it’s all down to the boardroom.”

Sunderland fans react to the news that manager Dick Advocaat has left the club. Louis Johnson from Southwick.

Sunderland fans react to the news that manager Dick Advocaat has left the club. John Speed, aged seven, from Hetton.